Second hand phone

[Members_02vV2GH]

Hi , I'm.looking to buy a second hand z fold 4 apart.from the imei number how would.i be able.to tell its.not contract or they can report stolen after I buy it 

Thank you 

[keith30]

Depends where you purchase it from

[ironass]

@Members_02vV2GH 

Even with an IMEI number, providing you are given a legit one, it can take 4-8 weeks to appear on a stolen phone or carrier blocked checklist. Also, if it is a contract phone, there is nothing to stop the seller from ceasing to pay the contract and having the phone blocked further down the line.

The watch words are, "Caveat emptor"... Let the buyer beware.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @Members_02vV2GH 

Unfortunately this can be the issue when buying a used phone from a private individual. 

We have seen instances where a person has bought a phone in good faith and then weeks or months later the phone has been blocked which is usually because of a lost or stolen claim by the original owner creating an insurance claim 😔 

I would suggest to buy from someone you know and ask for the original proof of purchase  i.e receipt. 

If your buying from a Highstreet Store that deals in buying and selling mobile phone's then as long as they are responsible sellers and you retain the receipt they'll provide they should swap out the phone if this happens.

To put things into perspective many phone's are bought ²nd hand and the purchaser experiences no issues.

It's mainly the bad experiences we hear about not the good one's .

If I can be of any further help then please don't hesitate. Take care.  😎